Man breaking into Richland church safe caught in the act, police say

The suspect was taken to Kalamazoo County Jail where he awaits arraignment.MLive File Photo

RICHLAND, MI -- A Kalamazoo County man has been arrested after a church employee caught him in the act of trying to steal from St. Ann Catholic Church in Richland, police say.

The employee arrived to work at St. Ann's Catholic Church, 12648 East D Ave., at about 7 a.m. and heard strange noises, according to a news release from the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office. The employee then saw a man dressed in dark clothes with a flashlight inside the church.

The church worker called 911, exited the building, and stayed on the line with dispatchers to give information for responding deputies. While on the phone, the employee noticed the suspect fleeing the church on foot with stolen property, police say.

Another worker at the church followed the man across M-89 onto a golf course at Gull Lake View Golf Club, where the suspect was taken into custody by Richland Police Department officers.

"The Sheriff's Department credits employees of the church for their quick actions and their outstanding performance in assisting with this apprehension," the press release said.

Investigators have determined that the suspect was in the church for a "long period of time" and had pried open a locked safe, said Undersheriff Paul Matyas. But all stolen property, including cash and chalices, was recovered and returned to the church, Matyas said.

The suspect, a 22-year-old Kalamazoo County man, has been taken to Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office where he is awaiting arraignment.